Terry Lee

From leading Singapore’s terrific musical scandals such as Urban Xchange and Parking Lot Pimps to being a producer to many of Asia’s reputable names, this guy is undoubtedly responsible for some of hip hop’s memorable tracks. He was roped in by one of music’s biggest firm, but eventually chose to be on his own and marked his territory in Taiwan with such dignity. At 37, Terry Lee still can cut it and turn the party out. A lifelong learner, he is now a student of Berklee and steadily taking over the pacific.

N-F : Judging by your Instagram posts, you seem busy with your puppies, so really, what are you up to these days?

T-L :Joey, Jimmy and PongZu. I spend most of my time with them. I’m still doing the exact same thing but I moved to Taipei 8 years ago from Singapore and live a rather low key life working in the music industry. In recent years, I’ve spent most of my time developing an artist named Kimberley Chen and I am currently working on debuting a talented young Chinese singer/songwriter named Ape Kao. Me and Trisno (from Urban Xchange) have gotten back in the studio lately and I look forward to this 21st Century music industry. It’s different and disruptive.

N-F: What do you like most about being in music and what don’t you like about it?

T-L: I love listening to music. I’m still extremely passionate about producing music and developing new artist but in my 20 years doing this, I learnt one thing – it takes one click to skip to the next track. Music as a whole is important but sometimes I feel music industry people and celebrities have their heads up in the clouds.

N-F: You mentioned that we’re living in an exciting time for music as well as entertainment. Why so?

T-L: I don’t think we have ever been exposed to so much content (music included) in any other point in history. Today, you can grow up with unlimited choice and you can tailor your own music discovery process. There is a new premise and the disruption while inconvenient for the old school folks is actually good for the future of this business.

N-F: Do you still go back to Singapore ? And when you walk down the streets there, do people go like “Hey, that’s terry lee!!”? if not, what are you recognised for back home?

T-L: Haha. No. I don’t go back to Singapore often and no, I think I managed to let that part of my life bury itself. I do admit there was a time in my life where I did get recognized a lot but frankly, I never really got used to it nor liked it because I think the whole big fish small pond thing can be misleading and I always tell the kids I work with – fame is the worst thing you could ever win.

N-F: What is essential to you when you’re producing for others?

T-L: I have to be part of the composing process. I’ve produced some terrible songs I didn’t write and I didn’t find it amusing nor educational. I enjoy building the song part by part and telling that story with the singer. Today, I have my own studio, a great assistant and an absolutely wonderful team I am so grateful for that because I get to go months producing a record and do it all in privacy and comfort.

T-L : These days the computer has always made a huge difference to how music is made and this is changing the whole soundscape. Gearwise, I have to have a Native Instrument Maschine within 20 feet of me all times.

N-F: Truly appreciate your time in talking with us. Will be waiting for more of your tracks, like we always do.

Photo Credit : James Guirao